For this post, Sam asked me to share a few tips for healthy living. Like Sam, I have a passion for staying healthy, mostly so we can fully enjoy life’s adventures, big and small. It’s a bond we’ve shared over our 40-plus years of marriage. Staying healthy is priceless at any age, whether you’re in your 20s and just starting out, in your 30s and 40s and going after your goals with gusto, or in your 50s, 60s and beyond and enjoying more free time.

If you think poor health is a natural consequence of getting older, think again. That’s a myth. What many people consider “normal” aging, isn’t really normal at all. The reality is how well we age has more to do with our lifestyle and daily behaviors than with the genetic cards we’ve been dealt.

In short, staying healthy is all about what we do and how we think.

The good news, both of these things are completely within our control. For example, compare the skin on the back of your hands with skin from a part of your body that doesn’t get much sun exposure (you pick the spot). Notice the difference? It has everything to do with lifestyle habits.

To me, focusing on lifestyle habits is just about the simplest way to avoid the chronic disease and debilitation that can steal your freedom to fully enjoy life. It also clears through the confusion and misinformation about what you really need to do to stay healthy.

It boils down to four habits:

Some people love exercise, and that’s great. For others, it’s a struggle. If you’re not a big fan of exercise, the easiest way to ease into a program is to take small steps. Start with a walking program. Walking every day is one of the most beneficial exercises imaginable. Plus, you can start as slow as you want and work up from there at your own pace. The key is to start.

It’s amazing how something so easy could be so good for you, not only for your body but for your mental outlook. I always feel more exuberant and alive after a good walk. When walking becomes second nature, you could consider turning things up a notch and combine it with some running.

Speaking of running, over 25 years ago Sam talked me into running a marathon. I had never run before, but I figured if Sam could do it, I could do it as well. I started with baby steps and was able to work up to finishing 26 miles. I was so proud of myself, and I was hooked. Since then, I’ve been able to run in more than 20 marathons.

So when people ask, “How did you do it? I say, “Baby steps.” In fact, anything that has a big impact on healthy living starts as small behavior changes or baby steps.

Imagine that you simply went out and got a new pair of running shoes. That small change may inspire you to get a new pair of running shorts to go with your shoes (we all want to look good!). Now you’re off and walking, enjoying the smells and sights around you. You may be having so much fun that you tell a friend, and your friend joins you the next day. Soon, the two of you are regularly walking and even planning to run a 5K event. You share your plan to others, and then magic! Before you know it, you and your friends are off and running and inspiring others with good health.

I love to eat. I’m Italian and was raised spending many hours in the kitchen. So eating is a very important part of our family’s life. It’s more than just a form of survival, but a celebration of life. So how do we enjoy eating without over doing it? My secret is to eat fresh.

Just like Nutrilite™ vitamins are made from the ground up, the foods we choose to eat should be from the ground up. I try to avoid packaged foods, bottled dressings and other processed foods. I bake and barbecue instead of fry our foods. I use good oils like olive oil and a little butter, and I stay away from margarine with its artery-clogging trans fats. We eat lots of veggies, fruits and whole grains. We often enjoy a good red wine at dinner, but balance it with plenty of water through the day. And, of course, everything in moderation is key.

3. Embrace positivity

If you look closely at the adults around you who get the most satisfaction from their lives, you may see a common theme. Yes, they may work hard and drive themselves a bit. But look closer, and you’ll likely find a person who is truly passionate about what they do. You may even recognize their positive outlook by the sparkle in their eyes. To them, life is delicious, and they relish it.

Plus, a positive attitude makes a person feel and look years younger. Who doesn’t love that? In fact, one of my favorite quotes is: “The cheapest face-lift is a smile. A smile lights up your entire face.” It’s true, try it for yourself. Look in the mirror and frown, then smile. Don’t you look years younger when you smile? And, I bet you feel much better smiling than frowning.

4. Get rest to rejuvenate

Sam and I lead an action-packed life, however we don’t forget the importance of adequate sleep. We also discuss the important things that are happening in our lives and how we can most effectively accomplish the challenges ahead of us.

Yet, taking the time to regularly rest and reflect is one area that many people find difficult. It’s understandable. Between working, raising children and countless other commitments, you may feel there are not enough hours in the day.

For us, we find that if we take just a few minutes each morning to reflect on the day ahead, discuss the challenges ahead of us and how we are going to attack them, we can accomplish so much more, and it’s even fun to do.

If you have trouble getting enough restful sleep (about 6 to 8 hours each night), aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time. We find this seems to be easier on our body’s natural rhythms as well.

Pulling it together

You can be ready for the adventures in your life, but only when you stay healthy. It starts with four daily habits. Exercise regularly.  Eat a healthy diet and take your Nutrilite™ vitamins. Approach life with a positive attitude. And, make time for restorative rest every day.

Adventure is calling, you want to be ready, don’t you?

Wishing you the best of health always,

Francesca